Receiving a refund is always welcome—but when it comes without additional taxes, it’s even better. Thanks to the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR), Colorado residents are entitled to annual tax refunds when state revenues exceed a specific cap. These refund checks, set for 2025, represent more than a financial perk—they’re a constitutional guarantee in Colorado.
Here’s a breakdown of how the system works, who’s eligible, and what to expect this year.
What Is TABOR?
The Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR) is a set of fiscal rules passed by Colorado voters in 1992. It limits how much revenue the state can collect and spend. If revenue grows faster than inflation and population, the surplus must be returned to taxpayers—unless voters approve otherwise.
TABOR also requires voter approval for new or increased taxes at both the state and local levels, strengthening accountability in public finance.
Federal vs. State Rights
While TABOR is unique to Colorado, the federal Taxpayer Bill of Rights, established in 2014 by the IRS, outlines 10 core rights all U.S. taxpayers are entitled to during dealings with the federal tax agency:
- Right to quality service
- Right to be informed
- Right to pay no more than the correct tax
- Right to challenge IRS positions
- Right to appeal decisions
- Right to finality
- Right to privacy
- Right to confidentiality
- Right to retain representation
- Right to a fair and just tax system
While these rights are mostly procedural, Colorado’s TABOR ensures tangible financial returns to taxpayers when state revenues exceed their constitutional limit.
TABOR Refunds 2025: Eligibility Criteria
If you lived in Colorado during 2024, you may be eligible for a TABOR refund in 2025. Here are the requirements:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | Must be 18 years or older by January 1, 2025 |
| Residency | Must be a full-year Colorado resident during 2024 |
| Tax Return Deadline | File a 2024 Colorado income tax return by October 15, 2025 |
| Alternative Filing | PTC rebate applicants (Property Tax, Rent, Heat Rebate) are eligible |
TABOR Refund Amounts for 2025
Refunds for tax year 2024, paid out in 2025, follow Colorado’s flat-rate refund system, meaning everyone gets the same amount regardless of income:
| Filing Status | Refund Amount |
|---|---|
| Single Filer | £800 |
| Joint Filer (Married) | £1,600 |
This ensures simplicity and fairness—every qualifying taxpayer benefits equally.
How and When Will You Get Paid?
Refunds will be automatically issued based on how you filed your state return. Here’s how it works:
| Filing Date | Estimated Refund Date |
|---|---|
| By April 15, 2025 | Mid to late April 2025 (direct deposit or mailed check) |
| After April 15 but by October 15, 2025 | Within 60 days of your return being processed |
Taxpayers filing under the PTC rebate program will receive the TABOR refund separately but must also apply by October 15, 2025.
Why TABOR Refunds Matter
TABOR ensures fiscal discipline and transparency in government budgeting. Unlike most tax refunds that result from overpayment, TABOR refunds occur when government revenue exceeds allowable limits, providing shared financial benefits to all taxpayers.
In 2025, with rising costs and economic uncertainty, this refund could be a crucial cushion for many Colorado residents.
Colorado’s TABOR refund is more than a bonus—it’s a reminder of taxpayer rights and fiscal responsibility. If you meet the residency and age requirements, filing your 2024 return on time ensures you receive your refund without delay. Whether through direct deposit or a check in the mail, it’s money you’re entitled to.
Keep an eye on your mail or bank account starting mid-April 2025, and if you haven’t filed yet, make sure to submit your return by October 15, 2025, to avoid missing out.
FAQs:
What is the TABOR refund?
It’s a mandatory refund issued to Colorado taxpayers when state revenue exceeds the cap set by inflation and population growth.
How much is the 2025 TABOR refund?
$800 for single filers and $1,600 for joint filers.
Do I need to apply for the refund?
No—if you file a 2024 Colorado income tax return or apply through the PTC program, the refund is automatic.
When will I receive the refund?
As early as mid-April 2025 if you file by April 15, or within 60 days after filing if submitted later.
